This petite Globe is a fine example of superb craftsmanship which elevated Rand McNally to be one of the great Chicago Globe makers of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This particular model is dated 1891 and features a rare overlay label for C.F. Weber & Co. Attention to detail is evident throughout the map in spite of being petite. The perfectly aged patina provides a warm glow and highlights superb map skills of the past. This globe offers visual history by displaying Empires one can only read of today. Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empire, German colonies, Constantinople, Christiana, St. Petersburg and a young United States with Indian Territory are identified, just to name a few. Indeed, this is a superb model with a well maintained map. A true masterpiece of an era long gone! History of the Globe Maker: Rand McNally & Co. 1856 (1880 globe production) – current Chicago William Rand opens his first print shop in 1856, hires McNally, an Irish Immigrant, in 1858. In 1868, the two establish a partnership and the name Rand McNally & Co. They started making globes in 1880 and by the end of the late 1800’s Rand McNally produced globe gores not just for their own models, but for many of the other Chicago globemakers. This particular globe stayed in production for a number of years and was most famously used by the Trippensee company in their early planetariums. This particular model is noteworthy as it features an overlay for C.F. Weber & Co. (1900-1907) Around 1907 the name changed to the Weber Costello Company. Weber Costello continued production of globes until the early 1960’s. In addition to its own models, the company also produced models for some of the other Chicago globemakers such as Rand McNally, Nystrom, Denoyer-Geppert and Cram’s. Description: The orb itself is covered with 12 individual, hand mounted paper gores. The map has beautiful coloring with a wonderfully aged patina. The petite globe is mounted into a cast metal non-numeric half meridian, which sits atop a lovely petal base. The more common base is made of clear glass. Diameter of the globe itself is 3 inches with a total height of 5.75 inches. The original Rand McNally labeled has a rare overlay label for C.F. Weber & Co. Condition: This globe has been exceptionally well maintained and has recently undergone a professional cleaning and minor repair to the wooden axis rod. Colors are rich, details crisp. Soiling is minimal The mount is in superb condition. Please see pictures for detail. The age of the Globe has been dated 1891 and displays the following political borders: Europe: The Austro Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian and German Empire are identified as well as the Metropolitan cities of Christiana, Constantinople, St Petersburg and more. Middle East-Asia: The extent of the Ottoman Empire is evident. The Arabian Peninsula is identified as such, no Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Iraq. Africa: German Colonies are shown (lost at the treaty of Versailles post WW1), Kongo Free State is identified (became Belgian Congo in 1908). Egypt has yet to establish its borders and what is later Libya is identified as Tripoli instead. Orange Free State is visible. Rhodesia has not yet replaced Ndebele territory of Zimbabwe. A fine artifact, offering 127 years of history in a petite package! Will ship domestically for $18 and internationally for $38. $685 item # - 0418WCPETITE91